Cassie De Pecol hopes to become the fastest woman to travel to all 196 countries

Acting as a Peace ambassador for the International Institute of Peace Through Tourism and Skal International, part of Cassie’s work is meeting with tourism students to discuss responsible tourism and economics.

In addition, Cassie is working with Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation to collect water samples to test for the presence of micro plastics.

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Cassie said: “Since school, I’ve had this desire to visit every country in the world, intrigued to learn more about every culture, natural habitat, and religion.

“In America we are lucky to have such a vast melting pot of cultures and people from all over the world who make the country what it is today.

“Going to every country was for me a personal quest to learn as much as I could about our world, stepping outside my comfort zone and becoming comfortable in the unknown, while also aiming to leave a legacy behind.”

After 15 months on the road, Cassie has had both highs and lows and believes that travelling as a solo woman has shaped some of her experience.

Cassie in Kazakstan – she set off because she wanted to learn what life was like outside North America

“I’ve been harassed and in sticky situations, whereas a man in the same situation likely wouldn’t have experienced the same.

“Some like to believe that they can take advantage of me because I’m a woman, thinking I’m more gullible to cough up more money or talk to them more because they want me to. But I don’t tolerate any inequality anymore.

“If I feel that I’m being harassed or taken advantage of, I say how I feel, then I’m out.”

The incredible trip was made possible through sponsors such as AIG, Artisan Bags, Dogeared, Eagle Creek, Clif Bar, Travisa, SPOT Globastar and Westcomb, and investors, who have also contributed to the making of the educational documentary which Cassie has filmed along the way.

Cassie added: “All sponsors and funding is obtained by me while I’m on the road, which is not an easy task.

“If I’m not meeting with the Ministry, giving keynote sessions to university students, collecting samples, obtaining visas , or doing promotion, I travel around the country on my own, but not for long.

“I try to spend the most time in countries where I’m able to promote my mission to make a difference.